Though He Kui agreed to Meyrin's application, her official employment would not commence immediately. With various contracts and school procedures to settle, she returned to the December City Academy, brimming with excitement.
The year-round blooming gardens, filled with vibrant colors, were as beautiful as ever.
"Sis, this is from Commander He!" Meyrin hummed happily, meeting her sister at a campus pavilion and handing her a rather cute mechanical owl.
"So, you really decided to go?" Taking the owl, Luna's expression remained less than enthusiastic.
"Yes! If I stay here, I'd likely end up as a communication officer, even after graduation." Meyrin nodded resolutely.
Much like He Kui years ago, Meyrin could clearly foresee the limits of her future here. Without the war, she might have studied longer or become part of the reserves. But, in her current role, electronic warfare sounded prestigious, yet her talents were only moderate, and even with added effort, her results would be average at best. Leaving early seemed wise, especially if it allowed her to support the hero who had saved her family.
And, perhaps, she could find her own path, different from her sister's.
Luna's mouth tightened as though wanting to say something but, in the end, she restrained herself. "Stay safe."
"Hailan Design Bureau is really safe!"
"Still, be careful. Learn from He Kui!"
Luna had heard many rumors about He Kui's resourcefulness in avoiding danger. In these times, it was understandable—He Kui was someone the PLANT had to protect.
"Got it!"
Meanwhile, after work, He Kui didn't return home; instead, he headed to the Derelict Guild in the Central Port District.
"Commander He, a warm welcome to you!" A familiar merchant greeted him with a broad smile.
"Mr. Murray, couldn't we have handled this by phone?" He Kui asked, puzzled. Nowadays, most of his purchases were direct materials, and they rarely spoke; inviting him over in person was unprecedented.
"Actually, someone wishes to meet with you," Murray's face turned more serious as he broached the subject.
"Who is it?"
Though He Kui suspected there was no danger, his habitual caution made him want to refuse. But before he could, the door to the adjoining room slowly opened.
"My apologies for not inviting you personally." In stepped a young man with deep blue hair, exuding an air of nobility and draped in a white fur coat, reminiscent of aristocracy.
"And you are?" He Kui asked, wary.
"My name is Matthias. A pleasure to meet you." The young man introduced himself, and behind him appeared a girl with pinkish features. She bore a resemblance to Lacus, wearing a white and pink dress, though she was shorter and had eyes that gleamed a vibrant emerald, unlike Lacus's grayish ones.
"I'm Setona Winter," she greeted, bowing politely beside Matthias.
"Nice to meet you both."
He Kui nodded, observing as the shopkeeper discreetly left the room.
"Apologies for the abrupt invitation. By any chance, do you know the whereabouts of this young lady?" Matthias placed a recent photo of Cagalli in front of He Kui.
"She's with me," He Kui replied after a brief pause.
"Her parents are quite anxious to find her," Matthias chuckled softly.
"If she wishes, she's free to leave at any time. As for her safety, she's fully protected within my sphere of influence," He Kui assured him.
"Well, Commander He is straightforward."
"As a gesture of goodwill, I'll share some information." Matthias leaned closer, lowering his voice until it was barely a whisper.
"Commander He, be careful on Earth. It's not only Blue Cosmos after you—there are other forces interested in acquiring your talents. Beware of making deals with dangerous allies."
He Kui's eyes flashed with intrigue. As the conversation deepened, fragments of memory surfaced. Matthias was vaguely familiar—perhaps a former member of a global organization known as "The Clan." And Setona Winter? While he didn't recall the name specifically, her likeness to Lacus hinted at her identity as a Martian royal.
Details beyond that were hazy, but remembering these two was remarkable in itself amidst the tangled storylines of various spinoffs.
So, it seemed The Clan might have their sights on him, not to eliminate him but to bring him under their wing?
One problem after another. Clotho's issue was still unresolved, and now a global organization entered the mix.
"Thank you. Here, this is for you both."
[You have gifted Setona Winter. Genetic Foundation +60]
[Affinity: 20]
[Experience Bonus: 0]
[Genetic Foundation C-Level (656/1000)]
Considering Mars was implementing something akin to the Destiny Plan, where each person was born with a predetermined role, it made sense for Setona to have "Genetic Foundation" as part of her attributes.
"Thank you?"
Though Matthias looked puzzled by He Kui's gift, he accepted it. Setona, however, snatched it up with an eager grin.
"This is a Haro, right?"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes."
"It's adorable! If you need any help, feel free to ask," Setona offered with a beaming smile.
"Not at the moment," He Kui replied before turning to Matthias. "Would you like to visit my company?"
"No, we have pressing matters."
"All right."
He Kui understood, though he noted the connection between Matthias and the Derelict Guild. The Guild, in turn, had ties to the Orb Union and Mu La Flaga. If He Kui ever needed to contact them, it seemed possible.
"If you ever wish to get in touch, you can find me here." Matthias left behind a contact address before he and Setona exited quietly through the shop's back door.
"Commander He, sorry for the disturbance." The shopkeeper reappeared, flashing his usual warm smile.
"It's no trouble."
Reflecting on The Clan's strength—it was said that even the Derelict Guild and Orb couldn't shake them. Should he cancel his trip to Earth? The journey was set to begin in just a few days; backing out now would be hard to explain. If he didn't go this time, he'd have to go another.
Better to go prepared, knowing that he, as the potential prey, was now aware of the hunter's presence. Matthias's words implied that The Clan didn't seek his life but his skills.
Best to proceed with caution. He'd
focus on additional preparations—training his physique, honing his MS combat skills, and refining his robotics.
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